📸 In Pictures: Exercise Wessex Storm

British and French paratroopers are training side-by-side, ready to respond together to international crises

British and French paratroopers have been taking part in Exercise Wessex Storm. Running for six weeks, the training will mean they are better prepared to respond together to international crises.

Exercise Wessex Storm includes a company from the French 2e Régiment Etranger de Parachutistes (2e REP), training on Salisbury Plain to confirm their skills and readiness to serve as the lead infantry unit within 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s global response force.

French soldiers patrol through Salisbury Plain Training Area.

The 2 PARA Battlegroup is a 1,500-strong unit built around the paratroopers of Colchester-based 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, supported by signallers, engineers, artillery, medics and logistics specialists from 16 Air Assault Brigade. They are training to be ready to deploy at short notice on operations around the world.

Wessex Storm, which is being carried out with strict protocols to manage the threat of coronavirus, will test the full range of capabilities.

Take a look at some highlights from the exercise so far: 👇

📸 Exercise Wessex Storm 2020

French soldiers from 2e REP conducting live fire tactical training on Salisbury Plain.

French soldiers take out a vehicle target during their live fire attack using a Millan Anti-tank guided missile.

Live fire attack training exercise.

French soldiers identify potential enemy positions as they advance across open ground.

French exercising soldiers watch on as 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles safety staff finish a safety briefing prior to live fire company attack.

French soldiers move down range tactically until they get a fix on the enemy.

One of the 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles safety staff operates the live fire targetry remotely, from behind the advancing French soldiers.

The 16 Air Assault Brigade French Exchange officer observes his countryman, as they carry out live fire tactical training.

French and British soldiers move to their line of departure, ready for a company live fire attack.

Exercise Wessex Storm 2020 will conclude on 12 December 2020, after six weeks of training exercises.

Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here 👇